Mazda has produced many engines over the years. Still, they are perhaps most well known for their inline-fours — and for being the only name in the game for Wankel rotary engines. At present, the most popular Mazda engine may be the SkyActiv-G.
What are the specs on a Mazda engine?
To take the SkyActiv-G 2.0L (122 ci) inline-four for an example, you have a 121.9 cubic inch aluminum block with a bore and stroke of 3.29 x 3.59 and a 13.0:1 compression ratio for 177 horsepower.
Mazda shares the inline-four approach with Nissan, where you have four cylinders in a straight line for a simpler, more compact design. Below, we’ll get into some history on Mazda engines and cover some common questions.
History of the Mazda Engine
The first Mazda engines were a series of V-Twins used in three-wheel delivery cars through the 1950s. These engines were wildly popular in the Kei cars of the 1960s.
A Kei car is a small Japanese auto that’s a little bigger than a microcar, like the Peel P50, but smaller than a compact. They’re perfect for crowded Japanese metropolises, but there’s a reason you don’t see them on American highways too often.
To make a bigger name for themselves in the international market, Mazda would need a tougher engine. So, they developed their own version of the inline-4.
They started with a 358cc Kei car engine and built on that, converting it to a 1.2L (73 ci) OHV I4 in 1961. This engine wound up being one of the smallest I4s ever made and served as the basis of many of their I4 designs until 1974.
Mazda’s work on inline-4s would eventually result in the SkyActiv line, a series of engines designed to produce high power with low fuel consumption.
The basic technology of a Mazda I4 hasn’t changed so much in sixty years, they just do it better and better each time out.
What Other Models Use a Mazda Engine?
Although Ford does not officially use Mazda engines, the two companies shared a partnership until 2009, and Ford’s 2.5L engines found in Escapes and Mercury Mariners were functionally identical to Mazda’s.
It was announced in 2019 that the 2022 model year would see a series of Toyota and Lexus cars featuring the SkyActiv-X straight-6 3.0L engine found in the Mazda6. If you’re after a Mazda engine with a Lexus feel, keep your eyes open for the 2022s.
Thanks to their simple, streamlined design, Mazda engines are famous for offering high performance at a low price. So, it’s not unusual for other carmakers to want to partner with Mazda on their new designs.
Other Questions on the Mazda Engine
Does Toyota Own Mazda?
Not exactly. Toyota holds a 5% stake in Mazda. Beyond using Mazda engines in the new Toyota and Lexus models, the two companies are also partnering to build assembly facilities in the US and develop electric motors.
Does Mazda Still Use Rotary Engines?
Not since 2012. For years Mazda was the sole producer of Wankel rotary cars. Still, their final rotary engine car was the RX-8, abandoned due to low fuel efficiency. But they are working on a SkyActiv-R rotary engine.
Is Mazda Made in the USA?
No. Mazda has a few assembly facilities in the United States. Still, the vast majority of their fabrication and assembly are handled in Japan. They are wholly Japanese-owned since Ford sold their 1/3 share in 2018.
Are Mazda Vehicles Easy to Repair?
Yes. The average cost for maintenance is just $302.92. This is where Mazda’s clean and simple design pays off. Japanese cars were thought to be difficult to repair in the past, but Mazda is one of the industry’s most low-maintenance brands.
Why Do Mazdas Depreciate So Fast?
They’re just not really seen as “cool” by gearheads. According to Car Edge, a Mazda 3 is only worth 28.60% of its sticker price after ten years, but this isn’t down to reliability, they just aren’t chasing the collectors market.
